By BRIAN BOHNERT
STAFF WRITER
For the second time in four months, the Bettsville Local Schools Board of Education has placed its treasurer on paid administrative leave.
During its regular board meeting Wednesday night, the board unanimously passed a resolution placing treasurer Roger Luhring on leave.
In a Thursday interview with the Review Times, Board President Michelle Davis said she could not comment on the reason for the decision, citing an ongoing investigation.
“There have been allegations brought to light to the board and we’re just investigating those allegations,” Davis said.
Luhring was placed on leave last October while being investigated for slow payments of district services, pertaining to nonpayment of insurance premiums to the trust. After an investigation yielded no discovery of illegal activity, he was reinstated to his position just days later.
Davis declined to comment on whether or not the current investigation is related to the former allegations.
Ohio Department of Education fiscal consultant Barbara Bechtel will step in to take over the duties of the district”s treasurer.
When asked about why Luhring is receiving payment while on leave, Davis said the board must first place him on paid leave to allow him “due process.” She declined to comment on whether or not he would eventually be placed on unpaid leave.
There is currently no timetable on when the investigation will be complete and Davis declined to comment on when or if Luhring will return as the district’s treasurer.